Community

Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011?

Maybe that means that this is an important topic for me? I think in 2010 I reaffirmed my communities. Spending the first 3 months in Australia really reaffirmed for me that Canada, specifically Toronto, is where I need to be in my life and that is where I am happiest. I always rave and rave about this little neigbourhood I live in (probably because it's the best neighbourhood ever!!), but when I'm out and about I get a real sense of connection to the people around me, that we look out for each other. I know my upstairs neighbour really well- I'd definitely ask for sugar if I needed it. In fact, I have! 

Online, I've started using Twitter a bit more, and reading some new blogs which seem to mingle a bit. I "tweeted" to one writer of a blog I admire about her help in something and she replied! I felt very warm and fuzzy. And our recent ex-mayor @iamdavidmiller replied to a tweet and said hello to the ocean for me!! (seriously I loved our old mayor. I would see him in the subway and have to fight the urge to go up and hug him). 

Another blog I read recently posted an article on how to deal with the death of an ex- which is a timely topic, that I have been dealing with and not many people can understand. We had a little chat about it on her website and it was so helpful. 

I have great friends here in Toronto, who I try to see on a regular basis. The only time I really can sometimes feel a bit lonely is Sunday mornings. I think I'd like, in my heart, for that to be family time- where I could meet up with my parents for brunch and talk about the week. But time differences mean I can't call them when I wake up (I've already forgotten about it and called VERY early a few times- yes I am one of THOSE Ontario people now- go me!!!). So my good friend suggested I find a walking group on Sunday mornings? Which I think is a great idea!

Another good friend of mine will be moving to Toronto in the New Year, so my Toronto family is expanding and thus my sense of community. 

I also briefly worked up in the Junction, and got to know a few people there and frequent the shops there more. I'd like to do more of that in 2011. Meet more people- as always. I think the colours of life is in the people we weave into fabric.

Make

Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it?

I have a few works in progress, some paintings that I do need to finish up.Must tear myself away from the computer.

Things that I DO want to make are more like home organizing projects to enhance the awesomeness of my abode. There is some shelving I want to put in the kitchen which I will make. Possibly some shelving in my nook as well to house my books ( I always seem to have more books than shelves). I want to paint my place a bit and get a new couch and fix up my bed.

So I guess I do need to make time for these things to make my place as fantastic as possible!!

Let Go

Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)

My imposed expectations, my illusion of control over my life, my inner feeling that I'm not measuring up.

Because I draw breath, my life is perfect, it is how it is meant to be at this moment.

Wonder

Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year? (Author: Jeffrey Davis)

 I try to cultivate wonder everyday. And to do so I have to stop, bring myself back to the present moment and see the beauty around me. I remember that everyone is a person with struggles and feelings and they deserve my love and compassion, not my censure and they are beautiful.

Picking up on the beauty in everything helps keep my wonder alive.

Moment

Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards)

Floating in Lake Huron watching the sunset this summer at Wasaga Beach. The colours were gold and vivid orange, grey clouds, blue lake, green trees. The space was vast and silent. It was a perfect moment, and I felt as if my heart could explode with love.

Even thinking about it now makes me smile and feel buoyant, weightless. I felt such pride that I have been graced to live in a country of such astounding beauty and size. This was no small sunset.

Writing

Writing. What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it? (Author: Leo Babauta)

The internet doesn't contribute to my writing. It is my television, a place where I can whittle away the hours. Not that I think I can eliminate it. But I would like to reduce my usage. As beautiful as my lappy is, it doesn't replace real people. Or nature. 

The more time spent doing other things off the computer the more writing I want to do.

#reverb10

I came across this website/concept reverb10 "Reflect on this year & Manifest What's Next"

Each day in December you get a prompt to think about and express. I'm going to try to do this!

December 1 – One Word. Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you? (Author: Gwen Bell)

Rest. I have spent much of this year on a hiatus from the grind. In so many ways this has been wonderful and needed and brought me to a lot of places I wouldn't have gone to. But as this year winds to an end I feel the urge to get back in the game and start running with the Elk again. 2011's word is going to be Action.